As a new year begins, we’re shining a light on local nonprofits that make a lasting difference in the lives of our community and as a reminder to give back all year long. From long-standing organizations that have supported Rochester for generations to newer groups quietly filling vital needs, each one represents the best of our community’s compassion and commitment.
We wanted to share a mix of options for anyone looking to give back—whether you give your time, resources, or voice, every act of support helps strengthen the fabric of our city.
Animal Rescue/Pet Welfare
Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester
Offering shelter and veterinary services for homeless or abused animals, it has an over 90% save rate for cats and dogs.
lollypop.org
Animal Service League (ASL)
Since 1957, the ALS provides cage-free shelter, foster homes, and vetting for homeless animals in the Rochester area.
animalserviceleagueny.org
New2U Rescue
This volunteer-run dog rescue fosters dogs and helps them find forever homes. Note: No shelter on-site
new2urescue.org
ROC The Dogs Rescue, Inc.
An all-volunteer nonprofit, ROC The Dogs Rescue saves cats and dogs in the Rochester area regardless of size, breed, or medical status.
rocthedogsrescue.com
Keller’s Kats Rescue, Inc.
This rescue is run by a dedicated group of individuals who work tirelessly to find suitable homes for abandoned, lost, and surrendered animals in jeopardy of euthanasia in and around Rochester.
https://kellerskatsrescue.org
Cleft Rescue Unit
Also run by volunteers, Cleft Rescue Unit nonprofit volunteers rescue neonatal puppies with cleft palates and other medical needs.
https://crurescue.com
Food Pantries/Hunger Relief
The People’s Pantry
The organization provides groceries, hygiene items, and pet food to individuals and families in Rochester and offers its services without discrimination.
peoples-pantry.org
Foodlink
Serving Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes region, Foodlink New York leverages food to end hunger and build healthier communities with broad programming.
foodlinkny.org
St. Peter’s Kitchen
Established in 1982, St. Peter's offers daily lunches, a food pantry, social-work services, and telehealth support in Rochester’s west side.
stpeterskitchen.org
The Salvation Army – Greater Rochester
Through its Emergency and Family Services program, the Salvation Army provides food and hygiene bag distribution and community feeding programs.
rochesterny.salvationarmy.org
House of Mercy
House of Mercy offers food, shelter, clothing, and advocacy to Rochester residents facing poverty and housing insecurity.
houseofmercyrochester.org
Homelessness/Housing Support
Bethany House
The Bethany House provides transitional housing and support to women and children in Rochester experiencing homelessness, often due to domestic violence, addiction, or illness.
bethanyhouserocny.org
Open Door Mission
This organization is a Christian rescue mission serving men, women, and children in Rochester with emergency shelter, food, clothing, and longer-term support.
opendoormission.com
Center for Youth – Safe Harbour
Provides case coordination and advocacy for commercially sexually exploited youth (trafficking victims) in Monroe County.
centerforyouth.net
Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking
Willow Domestic Violence Center
This organization offers domestic violence survivors in Monroe County free and confidential services, including shelter, advocacy, and support.
willowcenterny.org
Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (RRCAHT)
A community coalition focused on education, advocacy, networking, and support to eliminate human trafficking in the Rochester region.
rrcaht.org
Angels of Mercy, Inc.
Offers programs to educate, protect, and empower women and girls facing domestic violence, human trafficking, and related life challenges.
angelsofmercynewyork.org
Education & Literacy
Literacy Rochester
Improves reading, English language, math, and digital literacy skills of adult learners in Monroe County.
literacyrochester.org
ROC the Future Alliance
Dedicated to improving reading and literacy support, increasing graduation rates, and strengthening parent involvement in Rochester schools.
rocthefuture.org
Hillside Family of Agencies
The team at Hillside works with youth and families across Western New York on education, behavioral health, job training, and family development.
hillside.com
Open Letter Books
From the University of Rochester, this nonprofit literary press specializes in translations to support literacy and reading culture.
openletterbooks.org